Systems and methods for pneumatically actuated displays for colored powder

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for pneumatically actuated displays for colored powder. In one illustrative embodiment, an indicator unit includes a hopper into which a dispersible indication powder can be loaded. An air inlet at the bottom of the hopper aligns with a hollow downpipe extending upwards to the top of the hopper. Upon receiving a signal, a burst of air is sent through the air inlet, lifting a portion of the indication powder through the downpipe and into the air above the indicator unit. For use as part of a reactive target system, one or more sensors that can be attached to the back of a target are in communication with the indicator unit and can generate a signal upon sensing a desired condition.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and incorporates by reference all ofthe subject matter included in Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.61/882,199, which was filed Sep. 26, 2013.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to pneumatically actuated displays forcolored powder, including reactive targeting systems and associatedmethods.

BACKGROUND

For practicing marksmanship, whether with a bow and arrow, air gun, orfirearm, there are primarily two types of targets available for use.Traditional targets, which may be made of paper or plastic and/or steel“gong” targets. These types of traditional targets may be useful forevaluating marksmanship, but often require approaching within a few feetof the target to determine accuracy, which can slow down an event fromrepeated breaks, or potentially expose a shooter to a dangerousenvironment.

Reactive targets have become increasingly popular and provide users aninstantaneous reaction to a bulls-eye or direct hit. A typical explosivereactive target consists of a vessel containing a substance thatexplodes when hit by a bullet and is thus only capable of a single use.A typical mechanical reactive target is knocked down or swung sideways,or has an indicator that lights up to indicate a hit.

A reactive target system that provides an exciting indication of a hitand can be reused would be an improvement in the art. Similarly, such asystem that could differentiate between different types of hits andprovide differing feedback would be further improvement in the art.Similarly, a pneumatic display for colored powder that may be used toprovide a pyrotechnic type of effect would be a further improvement inthe art.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods forpneumatically actuated displays for colored powder. In one illustrativeembodiment, an indicator unit includes a hopper into which a dispersibleindication powder can be loaded. An air inlet at the bottom of thehopper aligns with a hollow downpipe extending upwards to the top of thehopper, which may have an enlarged lower end. Upon receiving a signal, aburst of air is sent through the air inlet, lifting a portion of theindication powder through the downpipe and into the air above theindicator unit. For use as part of a reactive target system, one or moresensors that can be attached to the back of a target are incommunication with the indicator unit and can generate a signal uponsensing a desired condition.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that thevarious drawings are for illustrative purposes only. The nature of thepresent disclosure, as well as other embodiments, may be more clearlyunderstood by reference to the following detailed description, to theappended claims, and to the several drawings.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are top and bottom perspective views of an indicatorunit in accordance with a first embodiment of the teachings of thisdisclosure.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the components of the embodiment of FIGS.1A and 1B.

FIG. 3 is a partial cutaway view of a portion of the embodiment of FIGS.1A through 2.

FIG. 3A is a sectional side view of another embodiment of an indicatorunit in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective side view of a third embodiment of an indicatorunit in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a partial cutaway view of a portion of the embodiment of FIG.4.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D are a top side view, a left side view, asectional side view (along line A-A of FIG. 6B), and a right side viewof the embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 5.

FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of a sensor unit inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the embodiment of FIG. 8.

FIGS. 9A, 9B, 10, and 11 are graphic illustrations of some functionalityof the embodiments of FIGS. 1 though 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to apparatus, systems and methods relatedto pneumatic displays and reactive target systems. It will beappreciated by those skilled in the art that the embodiments hereindescribed, while illustrative, are not intended to so limit the scope ofthe appended claims. Those skilled in the art will also understand thatvarious combinations or modifications of the embodiments presentedherein can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure.All such alternate embodiments are within the scope of the appendedclaims.

Referring to the drawing figures, FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2 depict anindicator assembly 10A, useful in a system in accordance with thepresent disclosure. A surrounding frame 100 is used to support andretain the remaining components of the assembly 10A. As depicted, frame100 may be formed from one or more pieces, such as right and left stands100A and 100B, which fit together to form the complete frame 100.

The frame may include front legs 102 and rear legs 104 to supportassembly 10A for use. It may also include structures for supporting theadditional components. For example, hopper support 120 may be formed asa double layered shelf with a hole in the upper layer for insertion ofhopper 200 therein, and the upper surface may include recesses 122 forreceiving upper supporting tabs 221 disposed around the rim of thehopper 200.

A handle 110 may be disposed at the upper surface of frame 100. Thehandle may be used for a carrying and positioning the assembly 10A. Arailing 112 may be formed on the handle 110 for receiving an additionalaccessory. In the depicted embodiment, the railing is a picatinny railsystem, such as a 1913 Picatinny rail system. This allows for themounting of accessories. For example, a UV or an infrared lightassembly. Where an indicator powder with florescent properties is used,the light may be reflected by the powder or cause the powder tofluoresce.

The frame 100 may also include a hood 108 which shelters the attachmentfor the tank 220 and can provide a panel for control buttons. In thedepicted embodiment, the control buttons, include a power switch 304,such as a rocker switch, a pairing button 306, and may include otherbuttons and displays, as for example LED 308, which can indicate powerstate, usage, or programming status (e.g., blinking to indicate pairingstatus). A control board 300, such as a PCB circuit board contains thenecessary circuitry for operation of the unit 100 and in communicativecontact with the control buttons. A rechargeable battery 302 may be usedto provide power to the unit and can be removably replaced into anappropriate slot on the hood 108. It will be appreciated that the unitmay be powered by any suitable power source and areplaceable/rechargeable battery is only depicted as an illustrativesource.

The hopper 200 may be held in the frame 100 and may have downwardsloping sidewalls (along all or a portion of the circumference thereof)leading to a rounded bottom. In the depicted embodiment, the hopper 220may have a generally conical shape to facilitate the downward movementof the indication powder placed therein. At its upper end, the hopper200 is closed. In the depicted embodiment, this is accomplished by thehopper lid 204 which attaches to the hopper 200 and may attach to theframe 100 for increased stability of the unit 10A. An opening or port isdisposed in the lid 204, through which the indication powder may beloaded into the hopper 200. A cap 208 may be used to seal the port.

A door 210, which may function as an outward opening flap or trapdoor isalso disposed on lid 204 and acts to close an indication opening. Thedoor 210 may be hingedly attached at one end, as by hinge pin 206. Adown pipe 202 is disposed in the hopper 200 and extends from theindication opening at lid 204 to a distal end near the bottom of thehopper 200. The space between the down pipe 202 distal end and thebottom of the hopper 200 allows indication powder to enter under thedownpipe 202. A fitting 232 is disposed through the bottom of the hopper200, underneath the downpipe 202 such that the bores of the fitting 232and the down pipe 202 may be generally aligned.

A tank 220 for storing a pressurized gas, such as air or nitrogen, maybe attached to the unit 10A, by attachment to valve fitting or adaptor222, which is in turn attached to a pressure regulator 224. A pressureline 226, such as an air hose may extend from the regulator to a gassolenoid 230 (which may require use of a fitting 228). The gas solenoid230 may be attached to fitting 232 for release of pressurized gas intothe hopper 200 and may be a 12 volt standard air solenoid. It will beappreciated that an air compressor may be included to keep the tank at adesired charge.

Referring to FIG. 3A, a second embodiment of an indicator assembly 10B,useful in a system in accordance with the present disclosure. The likecomponents of the assembly 10B to assembly 10A of FIGS. 1-3 areindicated with corresponding reference numbers. A surrounding frame 100Ais used to support and retain the remaining components of the assembly10B and may include front legs 102A and rear legs 104A to supportassembly 10B for use. It may also include structures for supporting theadditional components.

A handle 110A may be disposed at the upper surface of frame 100A. Theframe 100A may also include a hood 108A which shelters the attachmentfor the tank 220A and can provide a panel for control buttons. Arechargeable battery 302A may be used to provide power to the unit andcan be removably replaced into an appropriate slot on the hood 108A. Itwill be appreciated that the unit may be powered by any suitable powersource and a replaceable/rechargeable battery is only depicted as anillustrative source.

The hopper 200A may be held in the frame 100A and may have downwardsloping sidewalls (along all or a portion of the circumference thereof)leading to a rounded bottom. In the depicted embodiment, the hopper 220Amay have a generally straight wall 221A adjacent the front of theassembly and a back wall 223 with a sloped shape (which may includeportions having different slopes) to facilitate the downward movement ofthe indication powder placed therein. At its upper end, the hopper 200Ais closed. In the depicted embodiment, this is accomplished by thehopper lid 204A. An opening or port is disposed in the lid 204A, throughwhich the indication powder may be loaded into the hopper 200A. A cap208A may be used to seal the port.

A down pipe 202A is disposed in the hopper 200A and extends from anupper opening above lid 204A to a distal end. At the distal end, anenlarged bell 203 which may be formed as a funnel is disposed. At theupper end, a small portion 105 of the downpipe 202A extends above thelid 204A. A positionable nozzle 107 may be disposed thereon fordirecting the flow of ejected powder. As depicted, the nozzle 107 mayreside in a channel and be rotatable around the upper end of the downpipe. The nozzle 107 may also include a narrowed opening forconcentrating a stream of ejected powder.

The bell 203 is positioned above the bottom of the hopper 200. The spacebetween the bell 203 and the bottom of the hopper 200 allows indicationpowder to enter under the bell 203. A fitting 232 is disposed throughthe bottom of the hopper 200, underneath the bell 203 such that thebores of the fitting 232 and the down pipe may be generally aligned. Thedistance between the bell and 203 and the bottom of the hopper 200,together with the volume of the bell allows for mixing of gas, such asair, with the powder upon activation as the powder is directed into thedownpipe 202A. In practice, this has been found to reduce the tendencyof a portion of the powder lifted by a burst of air to fall back downtowards the bottom of the hopper from the pipe 202A, or in the air overthe indicator 10B. Thus, the use of the bell may reduce “dribbling”resulting in a more visually pleasing display.

The distance between the rear wall 223 of the hopper and the bell 203may allow for a feed of powder in the hopper to the space between thebottom of the hopper and the bell 203. In practice, the sloped wallcontaining different sloped portions as depicted can allow for along-running display where gas is allowed to enter through fitting 232in an ongoing stream and powder flows into the space creating an ongoingdisplay as the powder is ejected through the down pipe 202A.

The distance between the bell 203 and hopper 200 may be adjustable wherethe system 10A will be used in different conditions. This can accountfor humidity difference that may affect the weight of a given volume ofpowder. For most uses, a standard preset distance may be sufficient. Forexample, where the hopper has a diameter 215 near the bottom of about 4inches, the bell could be positioned from about 3 to about 4 inches, orat about 3.3 to 3.5 inches above the bottom. Similarly, the distance 205between the bell and the back wall 223 may be from about 0.5 to about1.0 inches or from about 0.7 to about 0.8 inches to allow for powder toproperly flow below the bell 203. It will be appreciated these distancesare only exemplary and the relationship may need to vary as the size ofa system may vary.

System 10B may further include a tank 220A for storing a pressurizedgas, such as air or nitrogen, may be attached to the unit 10, byattachment to valve fitting 222A, which may include a pressureregulator. A pressure line 226A, such as an air hose may extend from thevalve fitting/regulator to a gas solenoid 230A. The gas solenoid 230Amay be attached to fitting 232 (as through fitting 228) for release ofpressurized gas into the hopper 200A.

In some illustrative embodiments, the hopper 200 or 200A may holdapproximately six lbs. of indication powder, in other embodiments, thehopper may hold more powder, such as ten or twenty pounds. Theindication powder may be a mixture of cornstarch and brightly coloreddyes, similar to that used in Hare Krishna color festivals (Holi Colorpowder). It will be appreciated that flour, talcum powder or othersuitable powders may be used. One advantage of an edible powder is thatdue to the biodegradable nature of the material, no cleanup followingusage may be required. The indication powder may be loaded into thehopper via the opening under the fill cap 208 or 208A.

Compressed gas, such as air or nitrogen, is used as the propellant toexpel the indication powder upwards through downpipe 202A and verticallyinto the air. Compressed gas in storage tank 220 (such as a paintballtank), is attached to the intake valve 222 and flows therethrough toregulator 224 (or the combined fitting 222A). In some illustrativeembodiments, the pressure in the tank may be up to about 4500 PSI anddelivered from tank by its built-in regulator at about 800 PSI. This isthen reduced to from about 200 PSI to about 150 PSI by the regulator 224or 222A. The gas then flows through the pressure line 226 or 226A to thesolenoid 230 or 230A. When the solenoid receives a signal from the boardit releases a burst of gas into the hopper through the fitting 232 or232A, by allowing a brief burst of gas to pass therethrough. In oneillustrative embodiment, the burst may be for a time period of about 75milliseconds. The indication powder between the fitting 232 and downpipe202 (which may be ¾ inch in diameter) is lifted through the downpipe 202bore, past lid 204 and into the air above the unit. This produces acolorful display that may be up to 20 to 25 feet high. Where theassembly 10A or 10B is placed behind a berm, only the indication may bevisible. The sudden appearance of the indication may produce an effectsimilar to an explosive reactive target.

In a second illustrative embodiment, the burst may be for a time periodof about 80 milliseconds. The indication powder between the fitting 232and bell 203 mixes in the bell 203 then is lifted through the downpipe202A bore, past lid 204A and through nozzle 107 and into the air abovethe unit. This produces a colorful display that may extend up to 20 to25 feet away in a desired position.

In a third illustrative embodiment, the burst may be a continuous streamof gas passing through the fitting 232. The indication powder betweenthe fitting 232 and bell 203 mixes in the bell 203 then is liftedthrough the downpipe 202A bore, past lid 204A and through nozzle 107 andinto the air above the unit. As the powder is removed, additional powderflows between the wall of the hopper 200A and the bell 203 into thespace between the fitting 232 and the bell 203 where it mixes and islifted through the downpipe bore 202A. This produces an ongoing colorfuldisplay that may extend up to 20 to 25 feet away in a desired position.

Referring to the FIGS. 4 through 6D, another embodiment of an indicatorassembly 100, useful in a system in accordance with the presentdisclosure is depicted. A surrounding frame 1000 is used to support andretain the remaining components of the assembly 10C. In the depictedembodiment, the frame 1000 may be formed as a closed box that supportsand retains the remaining components for use. It may also includestructures for supporting the additional components. For example,internal braces may be used as a hopper support 2003, a tank frame 2005and an accumulator support 2001. Each of these may attach to the bottomor side of the frame 1000 and receive or support the respectivecomponent.

Where frame 1000 is formed as a closed box, it may be constructedsimilar to a “flight case” for storage of theatrical or musicalequipment to facilitate transport, storage and use. One or more handles1010 may be disposed on the frame 1000 for carrying and positioning theassembly 10C. Similarly, one or more wheels 1001 may be attached to theframe 1000 to facilitate transport, as with known “flight cases” orluggage and multiple legs 1002 may be present for support. A controlpanel 7000 may also be accessible on the frame 1000, and may have aprotective removable or hinged cover 1007. Control panel 7000 will bediscussed in more detail below.

The hopper 2000 may be held in the frame 1000 and may have downwardsloping sidewalls (along all or a portion of the circumference thereof)towards the bottom. In the depicted embodiment, the hopper 2000 may havea generally conical shape to facilitate the downward movement of theindication powder placed therein. At the lower end the hopper 2000 mayinclude a chamber 2007 which may be formed as a vertical tube.

At its upper end, the hopper 2000 is closed. In the depicted embodiment,this is accomplished by a lid 1003 which may be a planar member thatserves as the upper surface of assembly 10C by enclosing the top of the“box” of the frame 1000. The lid 1003 may be removable for maintenance.An opening or port is disposed in the lid 1003, through which indicationpowder may be loaded into the hopper 2000. A cap 2008 may be used toseal the port.

A down pipe 2012 is disposed in the hopper 2000 and extends from anupper opening above lid 1003 to a distal end. At the distal end, anenlarged bell 2013 which may be formed as a funnel may be disposed. Atthe upper end, a small portion 2015 of the downpipe 2012 extends abovethe lid 1003. A positionable nozzle 2017 may be disposed thereon fordirecting the flow of ejected powder. As depicted, the nozzle 2017 mayreside in a channel and be rotatable around the upper end of the downpipe 2012. The nozzle 2017 may also include a narrowed opening forconcentrating a stream of ejected powder.

Where present, the bell 2013 positioned above the bottom of the hopper2000, with the bore of the downpipe 2012 generally aligned with the boreof the chamber 2003. The bell 2013 may include a number of vent holes2019 through the sidewalls therein. The number and size of the ventholes 2019 may be varied to achieve desired performance as the gas,indication powder, and pressures used may vary with differentembodiments. The bore of the downpipe 2012 is typically larger that thebore of the chamber 2003 to facilitate operation.

The space between the bottom of the downpipe 2012 (which may be the bell2013) and the sidewalls of the hopper 2000 allows indication powder toenter under the downpipe and into the chamber 2003. At the bottom ofhopper 2000, a fitting 2032 is disposed through the bottom of thechamber 2003, such that the bores of the fitting 2032, the chamber 2003,and the down pipe 2012 may be generally aligned. The distance betweenthe bell 2013 and the chamber 2003, together with the volume of the bellallows for mixing of gas, such as air, with the powder upon activationas the powder is directed into the downpipe 2012. In practice, this hasbeen found to reduce the tendency of a portion of the powder lifted by aburst of air to fall back down towards the bottom of the hopper from thepipe 2012 or in the air over the indicator 10C. Thus, the use of thebell may reduce “dribbling” resulting in a more visually pleasingdisplay.

Additionally, the vent holes 2015 have been found to facilitate movementof the indication powder in the hopper into the chamber 2003 bydispersing and aerating the powder around the bell 2013 duringoperation.

Similarly, the use of a tubular chamber 2003 has been found to achievean increased height in the burst of the powder displayed by the assembly10C by preloading a fixed amount of powder in a bore aligned with thedowntube 2012 bore and the fitting 2032 bore, allowing the majority ofthe force from a gas burst to propel the powder upwards and out thedowntube 2012, rather than around the hopper 2000.

In various embodiments, the size of the bell 2013 may vary incorrelation with the size of the chamber 2003 and the hopper 2000. Thisis to keep a gap of proer size between the bell 2013 and the hopper inorder to achieve proper loading of the chamber 2003 with indicationpowder. This allows the chamber 2003 to be smoothly loaded by gravityand for the bore of the downtube and bell not to be overwhelmed by theamount of powder therein. Where the indication powder is cornstarch, theadhesive properties of the cornstarch may require a gap of from about ¾inch to about ½ inch in order to provide proper flow on a hopper havinga capacity of about 15-20 lbs. of powder.

A tank 2200 for storing a pressurized gas, such as air or nitrogen, maybe attached to the unit 10C. The tank 2200 may reside in a tankcompartment 1030, which may be closable with a door forming a surface ofthe frame 1000. The tank compartment 1030 may include a support 2005 forthe tank 2200. In some embodiments, the tank may be a SCBA tank with afitting 2201 reducing the opening to allow attachment to a standardpaintball valve to act as a tank valve 2202.

The tank valve 2202 may be connected to an intake valve 2222, which maybe a pressure regulating valve, which is in turn attached to a pressureregulator 2226 by a first pressure line 2224. The pressure regulator2226 may be adjustable as by a knob 2227 to allow for fine tuning of theair pressure. In some embodiments, the pressure regulator 2226 may onlybe accessible through an opening or port in the tank compartment 1030 todiscourage adjustment by casual users rather than technicians.

A second pressure line 2228, such as an air hose may extend from theregulator 2226 to an accumulator 2230, via a fitting 2229. Theaccumulator 2230 may be formed as an enlarged tube for accumulating amass of gas at a desired pressure for use. For example, wherepressurized air may flow from the tank 2200 through the intake valve2222 at a pressure of about 300 PSI, the pressure regulator 2226 mayreduce the pressure going into the second pressure line 2228 and theaccumulator to from about 120 to about 150 PSI, as may be adjusted foruse. The accumulator 2230 allows for the accumulation of a volume of thereduced pressure gas.

In the depicted embodiment, the accumulator 2230 may have a bore ofabout 3 inches and a length of about 14 to about 15 inches, although itwill be appreciated that other dimensions may be used. A rigid U-shapedpipe 2232 may connect the accumulator to a gas solenoid 2240. The gassolenoid 2240 may be attached to fitting 2032 for release of pressurizedgas into the hopper 2000 and may be a 12 volt standard air solenoid. Itwill be appreciated that an air compressor may be included to keep thetank at a desired charge.

A control panel 7000 may also be accessible on the frame disposed on onesurface of the “box” 1000. In the depicted embodiment, control panel7000 may be the control buttons, include a number of switches, buttons,sliders for various functions and displays, as for example LED display7004, which can indicate power state, usage, or programming status, orcontrol status. Additionally, one more ports 7006 or 7008 may beincluded for allowing connection via cables. In the depicted embodiment,ports 7006 may be DMX ports and port 7008 may be a power port to allowfor recharging of an internal battery, or may be a serial, USB or otherport. A control board, such as a PCB circuit board contains thenecessary circuitry for operation of the unit 10C and is incommunicative contact with the control buttons, LED display 7004, andthe ports 7006 and 7008. A rechargeable battery may be used to providepower to the unit and can be removably replaced into an appropriatereceptacle on panel 7000 rear surface. It will be appreciated that theunit may be powered by any suitable power source and areplaceable/rechargeable battery is only depicted as an illustrativesource.

In some illustrative embodiments, the hopper 2000 may hold approximatelysix lbs of indication powder, as discussed previously herein, which maybe loaded into the hopper 2000 via the opening under the fill cap 2008.In other embodiments with a larger hopper ten, fifteen, or twenty poundsof indication powder may be contained therein.

Compressed gas, such as air or nitrogen, is used as the propellant toexpel the indication powder upwards through downpipe 2012 and verticallyinto the air. Compressed gas in storage tank 2200, attached to theintake valve 2222 and flows through to regulator 2226 and therethroughto the accumulator 2230. The gas then flows through the U-shaped pipe2232 to the solenoid 2240. When the solenoid receives a signal from thecontrol board 7003 it releases a burst of gas into the hopper 2000through the fitting 2032, by allowing a brief burst of gas to passtherethrough. In one illustrative embodiment, the burst may be for atime period of from about 30 to about 75 milliseconds, often from about35 to about 55 milliseconds. The indication powder between the fitting2032 and downpipe 2012, especially that contained in chamber 2007, maybe lifted through the downpipe 2007 bore, past lid 1003 and into the airabove the unit. Where the chamber 2007 holds about 7 ounces of powder,the produced display may be up to 20 to 25 feet high or taller. Gaspassing through vent holes 2019 may aerate powder in the hopper 2000 andfacilitate refilling of the chamber 2007, allowing a subsequentactivation in as little as about 300 milliseconds. This can allow forrepeated activations to be timed to music or for control.

Where the indication powder is cornstarch or colored cornstarch, it hasbeen found that due to the cohesive properties of the cornstarch, thatupon actuation, the powder in tubular chamber 2003 may initially behavesimilar to a solid mass, shearing from the remaining powder in thehopper 2000 and moving upwards as a column or block when gas passingthrough fitting 2032 forces it upwards. The resulting empty space isthen filled by powder that falls downwards, encouraged by the slope ofthe hopper 2000 sidewall and any movement caused by aeration throughvent holes 2015. Similarly, in embodiments more similar to thosedepicted in FIGS. 1A through 3A, the powder between the downpipe 202 andbottom of the hopper 200 above the fitting 232 may react in the samemanner. This allows for continued movement of the powder into theposition for actuation without the need for an active mechanical loadingmechanism, such as an auger.

Where DMX ports 7006 are present, the control board may allow the unit10C to communicate with DMX compliant controllers, such as thoseemploying the DMX 512 standard, or other known standards. For such unitsthe LED readout may be used to assign an address to the unit for thecontroller and the unit 10C may be “daisy-chained” to other units 10C orto other DMX compliant equipment.

It will be appreciated that other embodiments of systems in accordancewith the present disclosure may include multiple hoppers, withassociated downpipes and fittings in a single case and controlled by asingle control panel. Such embodiments could include separatepressurized gas systems that use individual sources of a pressurizedgas, or could use a single system with multiple outputs to fittings froma single source, such as a pressurized tank. This could allow a singlesystem to provide multiple colors or effects. For example, where theindividual hoppers are loaded with different colored powders, individualactivation of each hopper could allow for different color displays bythe single system. Where the different hoppers are actuatedsimultaneously, a multiple color effect could be had. If the downpipesare directed to a common pathway, such as by using a manifold orsuitable nozzles, the colors could appear to be blended to an observer,allowing for additional colors to be created by the mixing of individualindication powders.

Turning to FIGS. 7 and 8, one illustrative embodiment of a sensorassembly 40 for use in a system with an indicator assembly in accordancewith the principles of this disclosure is depicted. A housing 400 may begenerally formed as a box or other enclosure body with a housing lid 402and a removable battery door 404. A battery housing 410 may be provided,or the housing may directly hold batteries or another power source maybe used. A circuit board 412, such as a PCB with desired components maybe placed in the housing 400. A hook and loop fabric system, such asVelcro® patches, maybe used for fastening the sensor assembly 40 to atarget. For example, a piece of “hook” fabric 450 may be adhered to therear of the assembly 40, and multiple pieces 452 of “loop” fabric may beprovided for adhering to the rear surface of targets.

The circuit board 412, in one illustrative embodiment may include amicrocontroller, accelerometer, a transceiver (such as a radiotransceiver or a Bluetooth transceiver), as well as a user interfacebutton and an LED. By default, the sensor assembly 40 may stay in a lowpower mode until a user presses the user interface button. When thebutton is pressed, the microcontroller uses the radio to attempt toestablish a radio link to an indicator assembly 10 (which may be 10A,10B, 10C discussed herein or another indicator assembly in accordancewith the present disclosure). Once linked, the sensor assembly 40responds to indicator assembly 10 requests for total hit count. A hitmay be detected by processing accelerometer data.

In certain embodiments, the sensor assembly 40 may be configured to actas a remote control, such that holding the user interface button for apredetermined time may cause the indicator assembly 10 to actuateremotely.

When the sensor assembly 40 is active, the microcontroller maycontinually read accelerometer data. It may first compute an exponentialmoving average (EMA) on the raw data and then calculate the derivativeand absolute value of the averaged data. When the absolute value exceedsa set threshold, a hit is detected. Another hit is not detected untilthe data stream has settled below a threshold.

The counterpart control board 300 in an indicator assembly 10 mayinclude a microcontroller, solenoid driver, a radio transceiver and/or aBluetooth receiver, as well as a user interface button and an LED. Atstartup, the indicator assembly 10 searches for devices (sensorsassemblies 40 or other indicators) using the radio. A user may be ableto set up the indicator assembly as a slave or master using the userinterface button 306. Once the radio link is established with anyavailable devices, the master may send hit count requests to any sensorassemblies 40 in the network. When the hit count of a sensor assembly 40increments, the indicator assembly 10 activates the solenoid 230 suchthat the solenoid activation count matches the sensor hit count. Amaster indicator assembly 10 can also signal slave indicator assemblies10 to activate their respective solenoids 230 either in place of or inaddition to activating the master solenoid 230.

As graphically indicated in FIG. 9A, a number of sensor assemblies 40,such as three, can be paired to a single indicator assembly 10. This mayallow a single indicator assembly to provide a hit indication onmultiple targets. Similarly, in FIG. 9B, a single sensor assembly 40 maybe paired with a number of indicator assemblies 10. This can allow asingle target to generate different indications. For example, differentnumbers of hits may generate indications from different indicatorassemblies, thus varying the color or intensity of the indication (aswhere two indicator assemblies 10 are actuated simultaneously). Wherethe sensor assembly is able to read accelerometer data to determine arelative distance of the hit on the target with respect to the sensor40, different indications may be made for different hits.

As graphically depicted in FIG. 10, multiple sensor assemblies 40A and40B may be used on a single target to more accurately sense the positionof a hit on that target. This allows for different indications to beprovided based on the position of a hit. Where a single indicatorassembly 10 is used, this may be different number of indications perhit. Where multiple indicator assemblies 10A and 10B are used, it mayinclude different indications from different assemblies 10.

FIG. 11 graphically depicts one method of controlling a system inaccordance with this disclosure using a Smartphone SP. An application onthe Smartphone SP is used to communicate with sensor assemblies 40and/or indicator assemblies 10 through the Bluetooth radio connection.The Smartphone app allows for programming different indications based ondifferent hits, for example, indications after a certain number of hits,or different indications based on different hit locations. It alsoallows for direct actuation, such as a single actuation or a series ofbursts. It can also allow for preprogrammed indications or timed ones.It will be appreciated that the indicator assemblies 10 may also be usedwithout the sensor assemblies. For example, to provide a display at acolor run or in a color festival. For such use, the DMX communicationcapability discussed in connection with control panel 7000 may be thepreferred method of control.

While this disclosure has been described using certain embodiments, itwill be appreciated that the teachings herein may be further modifiedwithin the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application istherefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of thisdisclosure which use its general principles. Further, this applicationis intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as comewithin known or customary practices in the art to which this disclosurepertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A pneumatic display indicator system, comprisinga hopper into which a dispersible indication powder can be loaded; ahollow downpipe disposed in the hopper, extending upwards past the topof the hopper; an air inlet at the bottom of the hopper aligned with ahollow downpipe; a source of compressed gas in communication with theair inlet, such that upon actuation a burst of compressed gas is sentthrough the air inlet, lifting a portion of the dispersible indicationpowder through the downpipe and above the indicator assembly.
 2. Thepneumatic display indicator system of claim 1, further comprising anenlarged bell disposed on a lower end of the hollow downpipe.
 3. Thepneumatic display indicator system of claim 2, wherein the enlarged belldisposed on a lower end of the hollow downpipe features at least oneventhole passing through the sidewall thereof.
 4. The pneumatic displayindicator system of claim 1, wherein the hopper comprises at least oneinwardly sloping sidewall.
 5. The pneumatic display indicator system ofclaim 1, wherein the hopper comprises a tubular chamber at the bottomthereof aligned with a bore of the chamber aligned with a bore of thehollow downpipe.
 6. The pneumatic display indicator system of claim 5,wherein the air inlet at the bottom of the hopper is disposed at thebottom the tubular chamber.
 7. The pneumatic display indicator system ofclaim 1, further comprising a positionable nozzle disposed on an upperend of the hollow downpipe.
 8. The pneumatic display indicator system ofclaim 1, wherein the source of compressed gas in communication with theair inlet comprises an air solenoid attached to the air inlet, the airsolenoid in communication with a source of pressurized gas and openingupon actuation to allow a burst of gas to pass through the air inlet. 9.The pneumatic display indicator system of claim 8, wherein the airsolenoid attached to a tube of pressurized gas that is connected to asource of higher pressure gas via a pressure reducing regulator.
 10. Thepneumatic display indicator system of claim 9, wherein the tube ofpressurized gas comprises a rigid enlarged accumulator portion.
 11. Thepneumatic display indicator system of claim 9, wherein the source ofhigher pressure gas comprises a pressurized tank of gas.
 12. Thepneumatic display indicator system of claim 9, wherein the pressurereducing regulator allows the pressure to be adjusted.
 13. The pneumaticdisplay indicator system of claim 1, further comprising a control systemfor actuating the assembly indicator, the control system comprising acircuit for actuating the burst of compressed gas through the air inletand an input in communication with the circuit for actuating thecircuit.
 14. The pneumatic display indicator system of claim 13, whereinthe input for actuating the circuit comprises at least one sensor incommunicative contact with the display indicator assembly, such thatwhen the at least one sensor detects a desired condition, it sends asignal to actuate the indicator assembly.
 15. The pneumatic displayindicator system of claim 14, wherein at least one sensor includes anaccelerometer.
 16. The pneumatic display indicator system of claim 15,wherein at least one sensor computes an exponential moving average onthe data collected by the accelerometer and then calculates a derivativeand an absolute value of the averaged data, triggering a display withthe absolute value exceeds a set threshold.
 17. The pneumatic displayindicator system of claim 13, wherein the input for actuating thecircuit is in communicative contact with the circuit using a wirelesscommunication protocol.
 18. A pneumatic display indicator system,comprising a hopper having at least one inwardly sloped sidewall andclosed by an upper lid; a downpipe disposed in the hopper, extendingupwards past the lid; an air inlet at the bottom of the hopper alignedwith a bore of the downpipe; a source of compressed gas in communicationwith the air inlet, such that upon actuation, a burst of compressed gasis sent through the air inlet and into the bore of the downpipe.
 19. Thepneumatic display indicator system of claim 18, wherein the hoppercomprises a tubular chamber at the bottom thereof, the bore of thetubular chamber aligned with the bore of the downpipe and the air inletat the bottom of the hopper disposed at the bottom the tubular chamber.20. The pneumatic display indicator system of claim 18, furthercomprising an enlarged bell disposed on a lower end of the hollowdownpipe.
 21. The pneumatic display indicator system of claim 18,wherein the source of compressed gas in communication with the air inletcomprises an air solenoid attached to the air inlet, the air solenoid incommunication with a source of pressurized gas and opening uponactuation to allow a burst of gas to pass through the air inlet.